RESEARCH PAPER

A research paper is a primary source that reports the methods and results of an original study performed by the authors. It is based on original research.

A research study may vary (it could have been an experiment, survey, interview, etc.), but authors need to collect and analyze raw data and conduct an original study. The research paper will be based on the analysis and interpretation of this data, and conclusions drawn from the results of that analysis.

Research papers contains a brief introduction that often include a review of the existing literature on the topic studied, and explain the rationale of the author's study, a methods section, where authors describe how they collected and analyzed data, a results section where the outcomes of the data analysis are described. In the discussion, authors will explain their interpretation of their results and theorize on their importance to existing and future research. References or works cited are always included. 

Research papers can contain up to 7500 words but mostly 5000 words.

REVIEW PAPER

A review article is a secondary source that writes about other articles, and does not report original research of its own. It is based on other published articles. It does not report original research.

Review articles generally summarize the existing literature on a topic in an attempt to explain the current state of understanding on the topic.

Review articles are very important, as they draw upon the articles that they review to suggest new research directions, to strengthen support for existing theories and/or identify patterns among existing research studies.

Review papers form valuable scientific literature as they summarize the findings of existing literature. So readers can form an idea about the existing knowledge on a topic without having to read all the published works in the field.

Review articles can be of two kinds: A narrative review explaining the existing knowledge on a topic based on all the published research available on the topic; a systematic review searching for the answer to a particular question in the existing scientific literature on a topic which may or may not include a meta-analysis. A meta-analysis is a kind of research design used in a systematic review to compare and combine the findings of previously published studies, usually to assess the effectiveness of an intervention or mode of treatment.

Review articles vary considerably in length. Narrative views may range between 8000 and 40000 words (references and everything else included). Systematic reviews are usually shorter with less than 10000 words. A range of 50  100 references in most cases is appropriate.

See you at the next edition!

Compiled by:

Institute of Nursing Research, Nigeria 

February 4 is World Cancer Day. It is a day set aside every year to reflect on what we can do, make a pledge and take action against cancer. For the past 3 years (2016 – 2018), World Cancer Day has being taking place under the tagline ‘We can. I can.’ This is to explore how everyone – as a collective or as individuals – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer.

Everyone has the power to take various actions to reduce the impact of cancer on individuals, families and communities, just as cancer affects everyone in different ways. In whatever we choose to do, ‘We can. I can.’ make a difference to the fight against cancer.

World Cancer Day raises awareness of the millions of people world-wide facing unequal access to cancer detection, treatment, and care services. With cancer leaders, health professionals and supporters across the world pushing for urgent action to reduce the rate of premature cancer deaths globally, the day calls for diagnostic and treatment access to be prioritised.

Cancer leaders have call for equal access to reduce premature cancer deaths by 25%.

According to them, the global target of a 25% reduction in premature deaths from cancer and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 2025 is possible. However, to deliver on this global commitment, the current inequities in risk factor exposure, and in access to screening, early detection and timely and appropriate treatment and care, must be addressed.

Today, there are an estimated 8.8 million deaths from cancer every year. However, it is the low- to middle-income countries who are bearing the brunt, as approximately 70% of deaths occur in developing countries, which are the most ill-equipped to cope with the cancer burden. The starkest area of inequity relates to childhood cancers – a specific group that the WHO underscored in its landmark 2017 Cancer Resolution – with survival rates over 80% in high income countries and as low as 20% in low income countries.

According to the head of the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), millions of people suffering from cancer in developing countries still lack access to effective prevention, screening, early diagnosis and treatment; urging continued efforts to ensure greater access to these vital services.

Many cancers (between 30 to 50 per cent), according to World Health Organisation, can currently be prevented by avoiding risk factors and implementing existing evidence-based prevention strategies. Some of these risk factors include tobacco use including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco; being overweight or obese; unhealthy diet with low fruit and vegetable intake; lack of physical activity alcohol use; sexually transmitted Human papillomavirus (HPV)-infection; infection by hepatitis or other carcinogenic infections; ionizing and ultraviolet radiation; urban air pollution; and indoor smoke from household use of solid fuels. The cancer burden can also be reduced through early detection of cancer and management of patients who develop cancer.

As we commemorate this year’s World Cancer Day,

We Can….

Inspire action, take action

Prevent Cancer

Create healthy schools

Create healthy workplaces

Create healthy cities

Support others to return to work

Challenge perceptions

Improve access to cancer care

Shape policy change

Build a quality workforce

Make the case for investing in cancer control

Join forces to make a difference

 I can….

Make healthy lifestyle choices

Understand that early detection saves lives

Ask for support

Return to work

Take control of my cancer journey

Love, and be loved

Make my voice heard

Courtesy: Institute Of Nursing Research, Nigeria. (INR)